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Perspective on the Sediment Evaluation Framework

Perspective on the Sediment Evaluation Framework. Brenden McFarland Washington Department of Ecology Oct 13, 2009. We see RSET and the SEF as…. A Partnership A Process Technical Development Work. RSET and SEF as Partnership.

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Perspective on the Sediment Evaluation Framework

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  1. Perspective on the Sediment Evaluation Framework Brenden McFarland Washington Department of Ecology Oct 13, 2009

  2. We see RSET and the SEF as… • A Partnership • A Process • Technical Development Work

  3. RSET and SEF as Partnership • Goal: Work cooperatively with the Corps and other partner agencies involved. • Ecology and other agencies could pursue independent technical development, guidance, and decision-making under state rules, but would that lead to better decisions on dredging projects?

  4. SEF as Guide for Decision-making Process • Provides guidance for all parties (applicant, agencies, public) so decision-making on dredging projects is clearer. Reduces uncertainty. • Predictability vs. flexibility • Yet… “Although consistency is an important objective, it is recognized that flexibility must be maintained... When project-specific technical indications warrant, suitability evaluations or determinations that deviate from those indicated by the guidelines presented in this manual may be made” (SEF, page 1-6).

  5. SEFvs Regulation • “…it provides a “toolbox” of methods that can be utilized for sediment and dredged material characterizations. It is intended only as guidance, and best professional judgment should be exercised in determining the uses of this SEF. Nothing in this SEF alters or limits agency responsibilities, or imposes mandatory requirements beyond existing statute or regulation” (SEF, page P-3).

  6. How will SEF be used in WA? • For the state of Washington, this manual will be utilized as guidance for dredged material management only. • In Washington, the Sediment Management Standards (“SMS”, Chapter 173-204 WAC) and the Model Toxics Control Act (“MTCA”, Chapter 173-340 WAC) will continue to be used as the regulatory tools for sediment management and cleanup decisions. (SEF page P-3) • Sec 401 Water Quality Certifications must be consistent with WA Sediment Management Standards

  7. RSET and SEF as Technical Development • Scientific understanding and policy changes in response to science are a continuous process. • Technical work connected with RSET is also linked with WA’s SMS and the DMMP, including work on: • Freshwater sediments • Bioaccumulation

  8. Public Process • RSET/SEF • DMMP/SMARM • SMS/MTCA Rule Updates

  9. Acronyms • Regional Sediment Evaluation Team (RSET) • Sediment Evaluation Framework (SEF) • Dredged Material Management Program (DMMP) • Sediment Management Annual Review Meeting (SMARM) • Sediment Management Standards (SMS) • Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA)

  10. Public ProcessRSET/SEF – Recent Past • SEF was made “final” in May 2009 • Public comment period and public meetings in 3 states in February and March 2009. • Response to comments available • Annual updates at SMARM • Participation in subcommittees • 2006 public comment period and response to comments www.nwp.usace.army.mil/pm/e/rset.asp

  11. Public ProcessRSET/SEF – Future • “The RSET expects the SEF to always be a living document with a process available to update and incorporate advances in scientific, engineering, and regulatory fields” • In the future, major revisions will be presented annually by the RSET to agency staff and the interested public for review and comment. (SEF, page P-3)

  12. Public Process – DMMP and SMARM • Excellent history of public process in Puget Sound by the DMMP agencies • SMARM is an annual meeting held in May of each year. • Agencies provide technical and policy updates to the public • Public can present papers as well • Summary of last meeting now available. www.nws.usace.army.mil/PublicMenu/Menu.cfm?sitename=DMMO&pagename=HOME

  13. Public Process – MTCA/SMS Rule Updates • Process has begun for updating SMS and MTCA rules. • Issue scoping and some commenting so far. • Advisory Committee to be formed, including a Sediment Workgroup • Advisory group to start in Nov 2009 • Process open to the public www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/tcp/regs/2009MTCA/mtcaAmend.html

  14. MTCA/SMS Rule Updates (cont) SMS Issues: • Freshwater Sediment Standards  • Other Toxic, Radioactive, Biological or Deleterious Substances  • Background Concentrations in Setting Sediment Cleanup Standards  • Integrating the Sediment Management Standards and Model Toxics Control Act Rules  • Human Health Risks in Setting Sediment Cleanup Standards  • Ecological Risks from Bioaccumulative Chemicals in Sediment 

  15. Questions? • Contact: Brenden McFarland Environmental Review and Transportation Section Washington Department of Ecology (360) 407-6976 brenden.mcfarland@ecy.wa.gov

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